NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Bill introduced to restore Alaskan mountain name to Denali
President Donald Trump issued an executive order recently changing the name of the mountain known as Denali to Mount McKinley – a name it had from 1917 to 2015. Now, two Alaskan senators have introduced a bill to change it back.
Terri Henry appointed as Government Liaison for the Office of the Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief)
Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks has appointed Terri Henry as the new Government Liaison for the Office of the Ugvwiyuhi, bringing her extensive experience in tribal governance, advocacy, and policy to this critical role. As the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) faces political challenges, including the Lumbee group’s push for federal recognition – Henry’s experience in sovereignty, legal reform, and government relations will help keep the EBCI’s interests front and center.
Bill to place Tennessee lands into trust for EBCI passes House
A bill (H.R. 226) that would place 76 acres of land, containing several Cherokee historic sites in eastern Tennessee, in trust for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
WCU alumna records 100,000th person into craftsman database
Isabel Driver knows how important the work she does is. As an intern with the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University, Driver etched 224 craftspeople into the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts’ craftsman database.
Tribal member working at NASA
Miranda Thompson Meyer, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), works for one of the most well-known federal agencies there is – the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). She is one of only 28 members of federally recognized tribes employed there.
Cherokee people revisit homelands at Buck Creek
The Center for Native Health, in partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Natural Resources Division and the USDA Forest Service, recently coordinated a historic gathering at Buck Creek, marking the beginning of a series of gatherings aimed at strengthening dialogue and collaboration between the Forest Service and Cherokee people throughout their ancestral lands.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Bill Taylor for Painttown Tribal Council
I am taking the opportunity to continue my life’s work to build our community and serve our Cherokee citizens. On Jan. 9, I resigned from my position to pursue this exciting chapter of continued service to you and this sacred community.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Run away!
How many famous Christians have you been shocked to learn fell into infamous sin?
COMMENTARY – Tribal Sovereignty: When exceptions jeopardize the rule
The way we count ourselves as Cherokee on the Qualla Boundary is a path to extinction.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts Smoky Mountain Conference championship
Cherokee High School (CHS) played host to the Smoky Mountain Conference (SMC) track and field championship on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 1.
Ward signs to play basketball, volleyball at Johnson & Wales
Loshi Ward, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), will be a two-sport athlete at the next level.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts multi-school meet
Cherokee High School (CHS) hosted a multi-school meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 24.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Justice Dara Taylor
Justice Dara Taylor, 27, of Cherokee, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. Justice was born Aug. 28, 1997, to the late Lehua Joan Walkingstick and Darrell “Dragon” Taylor.
OBITUARY: Joy Lee (Sissy) Allison Smith
Joy Lee (Sissy) Allison Smith, 69, peacefully entered into the arms of her Savior on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. Born on Jan. 17, 1956, in Cherokee, N.C., Joy was the beloved daughter of the late Ronald L. and Roberta Joan Allison.
OBITUARY: Kristin Marie Lane
Kristin Marie Lane, age 40, of the Big Witch Community in Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Park Ridge Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Sept. 6-8
Note: This list of pow wows was compiled by One Feather staff. The One Feather does not endorse any of these dances. It is simply a listing of ones occurring throughout the continent. Please call before traveling.
Cherokee Heritage Center hosting cultural activities during 67th Cherokee National Holiday
Immerse yourself in Cherokee culture at the Cherokee Heritage Center during the 67th annual Cherokee National Holiday this Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1.
Parker to provide annual public lecture in native health at WCU
Barbara “Sunshine” Parker, human services director for the Public Health and Human Services Division of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will provide the annual public lecture in native health at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Western Carolina University.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Kansas returns to Cherokee
After 10 years, prolific rock band Kansas is coming back to the mountains of North Carolina and will play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort this Saturday, June 25.
Beautiful statements: EBCI tribal member participates in Atlanta art show
Three Cherokee citizens are featured in a new art show at the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. Luzene Hill, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, joins Cherokee Nation citizens Brenda Mallory and Kade Twist in the show entitled “Returns: Cherokee Diaspora and Art” which will run from Saturday, June 11 and runs until Sept. 4.
“Night of Gadugi” highlights Cultural Summer School
Cherokee culture and language were showcased during the “Night of Gadugi” at Cherokee Central Schools on the evening of Monday, June 13. The event featured art displays and performances by the students who completed the Cherokee Cultural Summer School program.
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